Can I Make a Will Online?

A lot of people tend to put off making a Will, thinking that it’s a complicated and time-consuming process.

But technology has changed things. It’s now simpler than ever to set out your wishes for what happens after you pass away.

There are now many aspects of writing a Will that you can carry out online, keeping it straightforward and convenient.

Writing an online Will

A number of organisations offer an online Will creation service. Charities are some of the most well-known providers of this service.

In most cases, you’ll be able to put together a Will based on a template. You then submit this and the organisation arranging it will have it reviewed. Solicitors won’t always be the people reviewing your Will, so if having this security is important to you, it’s important to do the research before going ahead.

In many cases, the best way of arranging an online Will is to contact a legal team to find out if you can submit an online template to them for review. This way, you know you’ll be dealing with a qualified solicitor, regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). You’ll then get a Will you know will be legitimate.

What’s important to remember is that you need your Will to be witnessed by two people, which could throw up some issues around making an online Will.

Virtual witnessing

For a Will to be valid, it needs to be signed by two independent witnesses. If your Will is ever questioned or contested, your witnesses will have to testify that it was executed appropriately and legally. So consider carefully who you’d ask to witness it.

Your Will’s beneficiaries can’t witness it, while you shouldn’t ask your spouse, civil partner or any other relatives. You might want to choose a friend, colleague or neighbour.

But at the moment, it’s difficult to meet others in order to have your Will witnessed.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, a lot of changes were implemented to keep people from having to meet others unnecessarily. This included making it possible to complete more aspects of writing a Will online.

The government introduced a new law that made it possible to have your Will witnessed using online video calls. This made it possible for people who were shielding or self-isolating to get their Wills witnessed.

It applies to Wills made since 31 January 2020 and will continue for two years – but the government can shorten or extend that deadline if necessary. If it is possible to have your Will witnessed in person by two people, this is still the best thing to do, says the government.

 

When you want to create your Will and you’re looking for the legal advice to do it properly, get in touch to find out how we can help.

Our specialist SRA-regulated solicitors will be able to make your Will is legally valid, helping to ensure your wishes will be followed. Just give us a call or make an enquiry online and we’ll take it from there.